Sighting device

ABSTRACT

A sighting device is provided, configured to aim at a target, including a sight module, a rangefinder module, and a securing mechanism configured to detachably secure the rangefinder module to the sight module. The rangefinder module is configured to determine the distance between the rangefinder module and the target. The rangefinder module is disposed on a side of the sight module and has a digital numeric display, and the distance between the rangefinder module and the target is displayed on the digital numeric display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The application relates in general to a sighting device, and in particular to a sighting device that includes a rangefinder module.

Description of the Related Art

Thanks to the ongoing development of technology, electronic products such as sighting devices are becoming increasingly versatile. For example, such devices can be mounted or disposed on a hunting implement such as a hunting rifle, to aid in targeting game. The possible applications of such devices grow as newer models continue to offer high performance. Traditional sighting devices for hunting game usually includes a mirror or a glass where an aim point is shown thereon, and the user directly watches the target and the aim point shown on the glass to aim at the target by eye. However, when hunting in the early morning or close to night, it is difficult for the user to sight a target using only his or her eyes. Therefore, to provide a good product design which is convenient for the user and easier to operate is an important issue.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

To address the deficiencies of conventional sighting devices, an embodiment of the invention provides a sighting device configured to aim at a target. The sighting device includes a sight module, a rangefinder module, and a securing mechanism configured to detachably secure the rangefinder module to the sight module. The rangefinder module is configured to determine the distance between the rangefinder module and the target. The rangefinder module is disposed on a side of the sight module and has a digital numeric display, and the distance between the rangefinder module and the target is displayed on the digital numeric display.

In some embodiments, the digital numeric display comprises a seven segment display that has a plurality of red, blue, white, yellow, green or yellow-green LEDs.

In some embodiments, the securing means comprises a first clamp member and a second clamp member, the first clamp member is connected to the rangefinder module, and the second clamp member is detachably connected to the first clamp member, wherein the sight module is clamped between the first and second clamp members in a vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the sighting device further includes at least one screw fastened through the second clamp member into the first clamp member.

In some embodiments, the sight module includes a sighting telescope having an objective lens portion and a lens barrel connected to the objective lens portion, wherein the objective lens portion has a greater diameter than the lens barrel, and the lens barrel is clamped between the first and second clamp members.

In some embodiments, the sight module includes a sighting telescope having an objective lens portion and a lens barrel connected to the objective lens portion, wherein the objective lens portion has a greater diameter than the lens barrel, and the objective lens portion is clamped between the first and second clamp members.

In some embodiments, the securing means further includes a third clamp member and a quick-release lever, the third clamp member is movably connected to the first clamp member, and the quick-release lever is rotatably connected to the first and third clamp members, wherein the rangefinder module is clamped between the first and third clamps in a horizontal direction by the rotating quick-release lever around an axis parallel to the horizontal direction.

In some embodiments, the rangefinder module has a protrusion received in a recess formed between the first and third clamp members.

In some embodiments, the sighting device further includes at least one screw fastened through the second clamp member to the first clamp member in a direction angled relative to the vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the sight module includes a sighting telescope having an objective lens portion and a lens barrel connected to the objective lens portion, and the rangefinder module protrudes from the objective lens portion in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the sight module.

In some embodiments, the sight module include a compound bow sight that has a ring-shaped frame and at least an aiming pin disposed in the ring-shaped frame, and the rangefinder module is disposed on a lateral side of the ring-shaped frame.

In some embodiments, the securing means includes a first clamp member, a second clamp member movably connected to the first clamp member, and a third clamp member connected to the first clamp member, wherein the compound bow sight is clamped between the first and second clamp members in a first direction, and the rangefinder module is clamped between the second and third clamp members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In some embodiments, the first and second clamp members respectively have two hook portions to clamp the compound bow sight.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second clamp members has a curved surface that is shaped corresponding to the curved inner surface of the ring-shaped frame.

In some embodiments, the securing means further includes a nut and a bolt engaged with each other, and the bolt extends through the nut, the first clamp member, and the second clamp member.

In some embodiments, the securing means further includes a quick-release lever rotatably connected to the first and third clamp members, wherein the rangefinder module is clamped between the first and third clamp members by the rotating the quick-release lever around an axis parallel to the second direction.

In some embodiments, the rangefinder module has a protrusion received in a recess formed between the first and third clamp members.

In some embodiments, the sighting device further includes a spirit level disposed on the bottom of the compound bow sight.

In some embodiments, the digital numeric display includes a seven segment display that has a plurality of red, blue, white, yellow, green or yellow-green LEDs.

In some embodiments, the rangefinder module is switched into a low power mode when idle for a certain period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded diagram of a sighting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 1 after assembly.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 1 after assembly.

FIG. 4 is an exploded diagram of a sighting device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 4 after assembly.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 4 after assembly.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the securing mechanism in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the securing mechanism in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a securing mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 11-16 are six principal views showing a rangefinder module 20 mounted to a sight module 10 via the securing mechanism of FIGS. 9 and 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The making and using of the embodiments of the sighting devices are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the embodiments provide many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that each term, which is defined in a commonly used dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning conforming to the relative skills and the background or the context of the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted by an idealized or overly formal manner unless defined otherwise.

FIG. 1 is an exploded diagram of a sighting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 1 after assembly, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 1 after assembly.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the sighting device in this embodiment primarily comprises a sight module 10, a rangefinder module 20, and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism includes a first clamp member C1, a second clamp member C2, and at least a screw S fastened through the second clamp member C2 into the first clamp member C1, so that the rangefinder module 20 can be detachably secured to the sight module 10 to measure the distance from the sighting device to the target.

In this embodiment, the sight module 10 may be a gun sight or crossbow sight that is configured to sight or aim at a target, and it is able to mount on a shooting device (e.g. hunting rifle or crossbow) for accurate hunting shoot. The rangefinder module 20 can transmit an infrared beam or laser beam to measure the distance from the rangefinder module 20 to the target. Here, the first clamp member C1 of the securing mechanism is affixed to the bottom surface of the rangefinder module 20 by screws. In some embodiments, the first clamp member C1 may be detachably attached to the rangefinder module 20 by magnets or hook-and-loop fasteners.

The sight module 10 in FIGS. 1-3 is a telescopic sight that comprises an objective lens portion 11, a lens barrel 12 connected to the objective lens portion 11, and an eyepiece portion 13 connected to the lens barrel 12, wherein the lens barrel 12 is located between the objective lens portion 11 and the eyepiece portion 13. In this embodiment, the objective lens portion 11 has a greater diameter than the lens barrel 12 and the eyepiece portion 13, and the lens barrel 12 is clamped between the first and second clamp members S1 and S2 in a vertical direction parallel to the Z axis.

In this embodiment, the rangefinder module 20 is disposed above the sight module 10, and it may be a laser rangefinder which uses a laser beam to determine the distance to the target. For example, the rangefinder module 20 can emit a laser pulse toward the target and start timing, and then stop timing when the reflected light is received.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the rangefinder module 20 has a power button 21, a control button 22, a window 23, a digital numeric display 24, and a connection port 25. The user can push the power button 21 to turn on the rangefinder module 20, and then push the control button 22 to measure the distance from the rangefinder module 20 to the target.

In this embodiment, the rangefinder module 20 can transmit a laser beam to a target through the window 23, and the laser beam can be reflected by the target and enter the rangefinder module 20 via the window 23, whereby the distance between the rangefinder module 20 and the target is determined. The distance information between the rangefinder module 20 and the target is then displayed on the digital numeric display 24, so that the user can make an accurate hunting shot via the sighting device.

For example, the digital numeric display 24 may be a seven segment display that is suitable for use outdoors in the dark, wherein the seven segment display may comprise a plurality of red, blue, white, yellow, green or yellow-green LEDs. However, the digital numeric display 24 may also be an LCD, OLED or touch display. When the user is inactive and the system is idle for a certain period of time (e.g. 3 to 5 minutes), the rangefinder module 20 can automatically turn off the digital numeric display 24 and switch into a low power mode for power saving. Additionally, a cable may be used to electrically connect the rangefinder module 20 to a power bank or computer via the connection port 25 (e.g. USB port), whereby a rechargeable battery inside the rangefinder module 20 can be charged even during usage.

FIG. 4 is an exploded diagram of a sighting device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 4 after assembly. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the sighting device of FIG. 4 after assembly. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the securing mechanism in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the securing mechanism in FIG. 6.

The sighting device of FIGS. 4-8 is different from FIGS. 1-3 in that the securing mechanism further includes a third clamp member C3 and a quick-release lever L, and the objective lens portion 11 of the sight module10 is clamped between the first and second clamp members C1 and C2. As shown in FIGS. 4-8, the third clamp member C3 is slidably connected to the first clamp member C1, and the quick-release lever L is rotatably connected to the first and third clamp members C1 and C3. Here, the rangefinder module 20 can be detachably clamped between the first and third clamps C1 and C3 in a horizontal direction (parallel to the Y axis) by rotating the quick-release lever L in a predetermined direction around an axis A, wherein the axis A is parallel to the Y axis (FIGS. 7 and 8).

Still referring to FIGS. 4-8, a recess R is formed between the first and third clamp members C1 and C3. When the quick-release lever L is forced to rotate in a predetermined direction around the axis A, it pushes the third clamp member C3 to move toward the first clamp member C1 in the Y direction, so that a protrusion P of the rangefinder module 20 can be clamped by the first and third clamps C1 and C3 and firmly secured in the recess R.

On the contrary, when the user does not need the rangefinder module 20, the rotating quick-release lever L can be rotated around the axis A in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, so that the quick-release lever L and the third clamp member C3 are loosen from the first clamp member C1. Therefore, the rangefinder module 20 can be rapidly detached from the recess R to achieve convenient disassembly of the sighting device.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, two screws S are fastened through the second clamp member C2 into the first clamp member C1 along a direction angled relative to the Z axis, thus facilitating easy assembly of the sighting device. It should be noted that the second and third clamp members C2 and C3 are located on opposite sides of the first clamp member C1, and the rangefinder module 20 protrudes from the objective lens portion 11 along the −X direction that is parallel to the optical axis of the sight module 10.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a securing mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 11-16 are six principal views showing a rangefinder module 20 mounted to a sight module 10 via the securing mechanism of FIGS. 9 and 10.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the securing mechanism in another embodiment of the invention is used to secure a rangefinder module 20 to a sight module 10 (FIGS. 11-16). The securing mechanism primarily includes a first clamp member C1, a second clamp member C2, and a third clamp member C3. The second clamp member C2 is connected to the first clamp member C1 by a bolt B1 and a nut B2 engaged with the bolt B1, wherein the bolt B1 extends through the first clamp member C1, the second clamp member C2, and the nut B2. Since the bolt B1 and the nut B2 are threaded and engaged with each other, the nut B2 can rotates around the bolt B1 and move relative to the bolt B1 along the X axis, so that a space between first and second clamp members C1 and C2 can be adjusted.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, a shaft T penetrates the clamp member C3, wherein an end T1 of the shaft T is affixed to the first clamp member C1, and the other end T2 is threaded and engaged with the quick-release lever L. When the quick-release lever L rotates relative to the shaft T around an axis A in a predetermined direction, the third clamp member C3 is forced by the quick-release lever L to slide along the shaft T toward the first clamp member C1 in the −Z direction. On the contrary, when the quick-release lever L rotates relative to the shaft T around the axis A in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the quick-release lever L and the third clamp member C3 can be loosen from the first clamp member C1, wherein the axis A is parallel to the Z axis.

In this embodiment, the first and second clamp members C1 and C2 respectively have two hook portions K to clamp a sight module 10, such as the compound bow sight shows in FIGS. 11-16. The sight module 10 (compound bow sight) has a ring-shaped frame and at least an aiming pin AP disposed in the ring-shaped frame, wherein the aiming pin AP has a targeting portion TP disposed at or near the end thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 9-12, the first clamp member C1 forms a curved surface C11 connecting to the two hook portions K thereof, and the second clamp member C21 forms a curved surface C21 connecting to the two hook portions K thereof. Specifically, the two curved surfaces C11 and C21 are shaped corresponding to a curved inner surface 31 of the ring-shaped frame.

The sight module 10 (compound bow sight) in FIGS. 11-16 is clamped between the first and second clamp members C1 and C2 in a first direction (parallel to the X axis), and a rangefinder module 20 is clamped between the second and third clamp members C2 and C3 in a second direction (parallel to the Z axis), wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, the rangefinder module 20 is secured on a lateral side of the ring-shaped frame of the sight module 10 (compound bow sight), wherein the rangefinder module 20 has a protrusion P received in the recess R formed between the first and third clamp members C1 and C3.

In this embodiment, the rangefinder module 20 has a power button 21, a control button 22, a window 23, a digital numeric display 24, and a connection port 25. As shown in FIG. 16, the user can push the power button 21 to turn on the rangefinder module 20, and then push the control button 22 to measure the distance from the rangefinder module 20 to the target. Moreover, a spirit level BL is disposed on the bottom side of the sighting device 10 (compound bow sight) for accurate hunting shoot. As shown in FIG. 12, the digital numeric display 24 of the sighting device 10 may be a seven segment display that is suitable for use outdoors in the dark, wherein the seven segment display may comprise a plurality of red, blue, white, yellow, green or yellow-green LEDs.

Specifically, when the user is inactive and the system is idle for a certain period of time (e.g. 3 to 5 minutes), the rangefinder module 20 can automatically turn off the digital numeric display 24 and switch into a low power mode for power saving. As shown in FIG. 14, a cable may be used to electrically connect the rangefinder module 20 to a power bank or computer via the connection port 25 (e.g. USB port), whereby a rechargeable battery inside the rangefinder module 20 can be charged even during usage.

In summary, the invention provides a sighting device configured to aim at a target. The sighting device includes a sight module, a rangefinder module, and a securing mechanism configured to detachably secure the rangefinder module to the sight module. Since the securing mechanism includes several clamp members and is easy to assemble, the rangefinder module can be easily mounted on the sight module, so that the user can make an accurate hunting shot via the sighting device. Moreover, as the rangefinder module has a seven segment display, it is especially suitable for use outdoors in the dark. In some embodiments, the seven segment display of the rangefinder module may comprise a plurality of red, blue, white, yellow, green or yellow-green LEDs, so that it is also suitable for red-green or blue-yellow colorblind users.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having the same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the invention. It is intended that the standard and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sighting device, configured to aim at a target, comprising: a sight module; a rangefinder module, configured to determine a distance between the rangefinder module and the target, wherein the rangefinder module is disposed on a side of the sight module and has a digital numeric display, and the distance between the rangefinder module and the target is displayed on the digital numeric display; and a securing mechanism, configured to detachably secure the rangefinder module to the sight module.
 2. The sighting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital numeric display comprises a seven segment display that has a plurality of red, blue, white, yellow, green or yellow-green LEDs.
 3. The sighting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a first clamp member and a second clamp member, the first clamp member is connected to the rangefinder module, and the second clamp member is detachably connected to the first clamp member, wherein the sight module is clamped between the first and second clamp members in a vertical direction.
 4. The sighting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sighting device further comprises at least one screw fastened through the second clamp member into the first clamp member.
 5. The sighting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sight module comprises a sighting telescope having an objective lens portion and a lens barrel connected to the objective lens portion, wherein the objective lens portion has a greater diameter than the lens barrel, and the lens barrel is clamped between the first and second clamp members.
 6. The sighting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sight module comprises a sighting telescope having an objective lens portion and a lens barrel connected to the objective lens portion, wherein the objective lens portion has a greater diameter than the lens barrel, and the objective lens portion is clamped between the first and second clamp members.
 7. The sighting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the securing means further comprises a third clamp member and a quick-release lever, the third clamp member is movably connected to the first clamp member, and the quick-release lever is rotatably connected to the first and third clamp members, wherein the rangefinder module is clamped between the first and third clamps in a horizontal direction by the rotating quick-release lever around an axis parallel to the horizontal direction.
 8. The sighting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rangefinder module has a protrusion received in a recess formed between the first and third clamp members.
 9. The sighting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sighting device further comprises at least one screw fastened through the second clamp member to the first clamp member in a direction angled relative to the vertical direction.
 10. The sighting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sight module comprises a sighting telescope having an objective lens portion and a lens barrel connected to the objective lens portion, and the rangefinder module protrudes from the objective lens portion in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the sight module.
 11. The sighting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sight module comprises a compound bow sight that has a ring-shaped frame and at least an aiming pin disposed in the ring-shaped frame, and the rangefinder module is disposed on a lateral side of the ring-shaped frame.
 12. The sighting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the securing means comprises a first clamp member, a second clamp member movably connected to the first clamp member, and a third clamp member connected to the first clamp member, wherein the compound bow sight is clamped between the first and second clamp members in a first direction, and the rangefinder module is clamped between the second and third clamp members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
 13. The sighting device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first and second clamp members respectively have two hook portions to clamp the compound bow sight.
 14. The sighting device as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the first and second clamp members has a curved surface that is shaped corresponding to the curved inner surface of the ring-shaped frame.
 15. The sighting device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the securing means further comprises a nut and a bolt engaged with each other, and the bolt extends through the nut, the first clamp member, and the second clamp member.
 16. The sighting device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the securing means further comprises a quick-release lever rotatably connected to the first and third clamp members, wherein the rangefinder module is clamped between the first and third clamp members by the rotating the quick-release lever around an axis parallel to the second direction.
 17. The sighting device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rangefinder module has a protrusion received in a recess formed between the first and third clamp members.
 18. The sighting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sighting device further comprises a spirit level disposed on a bottom side of the compound bow sight.
 19. The sighting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the digital numeric display comprises a seven segment display that has a plurality of red, blue, white, yellow, green or yellow-green LEDs.
 20. The sighting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the rangefinder module is switched into a low power mode when idle for a certain period of time. 